J&K: Omar Abdullah takes oath amidst high hopes, historical challenges

Srinagar, Oct 16: After an uphill battle in the long-awaited elections held between September and October, Omar Abdullah finally saw the fruits of his pledges he made to the people during his political campaigns, including his famous cap gesture in Ganderbal.

Before taking oath, Omar first visited the revered Hazratbal shrine and Qaid Mazar in Naseem Bagh, offering prayers and paying tribute to his grandfather and JKNC founder Sheikh Abdullah, whose grave lies about 800 meters from the dargah.

While the stage was set for his oath-taking ceremony as the UT's first chief minister, he returned to his residence to change into a new outfit—a black knee-length jacket, or Achkan—similar to what his grandfather often wore.

Omar took his oath before a high-profile audience that included senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, his sister Priyanka Gandhi, former RAW chief A. S. Dulat, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and other national leaders at Srinagar's Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC).

Five years down the line, when New Delhi stripped the region of its limited autonomy, Omar including other top Kashmir leaders were detained inside SKICC.

Sounding a bit edgy, Omar vowed to keep all matters brought before him as chief minister confidential, except as necessary for his duties.

Alongside Omar, five cabinet ministers also took their oaths. Notably, no representatives from the Congress party were included in the cabinet.

Omar made NC's leader from Nowshera constituency in Jammu his deputy, saying, he fulfilled his 'promise to the people of Jammu by giving them due representation.'

Following the ceremony, the new CM inspected his first guard of honor at the civil secretariat and chaired his first meeting of administrative secretaries there.

Later, he was seen sitting in the Chief Minister's chair, which has been vacant since 2018 when the PDP-BJP government fell apart. Omar posted a picture of himself in the chair, stating, "I am back."

While Omar appeared jubilant during these events, his father, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, referred to his son's leadership as a "crown of thorns." "May Allah help him fulfill the hopes of the people," Farooq said.

After the election results were declared earlier this week, Omar Abdullah stated that the new J&K assembly would pass its first resolution demanding the restoration of statehood to J&K. However, former New Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal described the region as a "half-state."

Kejriwal extended his support, suggesting that if Omar needed advice on managing a half-state, he should consult him, as he has been doing so in the national capital for ten years.

Experts and political analysts suggest that governing an assembly that was once among the most powerful in the country—but is now one of the weakest—will present significant challenges for the new government.

Immediately upon taking office, Omar Abdullah instructed the J&K police chief to refrain from stopping traffic during his movements. This practice has long affected people's mental health and caused significant inconvenience.

Omar also directed the police not to use aggressive hand gestures or sticks against citizens during his commutes, which observers noted will bring relief to the public.

Messages of congratulations flowed in from various local and national leaders, with many expressing hopes that Omar would fulfill his promises, including restoring J&K's 'dignity' and addressing the ongoing issues faced by residents.

PDP patron and former J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti congratulated Omar, expressing her hope that the new government would "heal the wounds of the J&K people" inflicted by the decisions made in August 2019.

Mufti said, the government's focus should be on tackling drug epidemic in the region, solving energy crisis, and creating employment.

People also expect the new administration to address scarcity of water, and rising electricity tariffs, but presently, the new government lacks the authority over these issues. The JKNC's manifesto promised 200 units of free electricity to the people of J&K.

PC chief and the Minister of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone, asserted that the first assembly session of the new government would be historically significant, defining whether the decisions taken on August 5, 2019, reflected the will of the J&K people. Lone did not attend Omar's oath-taking ceremony.

"Despite having only one vote, we will support the resolution," said Lone, who is the only leader from his party to win.

JKNC's popular leader and MP from Srinagar, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, stated that the challenge lies in fulfilling the political aspirations of the people while ensuring effective governance and acting as a united opposition against policies damaging to J&K.

In its manifesto titled "Dignity, Identity, and Development," the party promised to strive for the full implementation of the Autonomy Resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in 2000, as well as to amend laws enacted after August 2019 that affect J&K's special status.

"While they may not achieve everything promised, the people of Kashmir now have a barrier between them and New Delhi," noted Owais Bhat, a history scholar.